Faces of Bagan Photography Tour

Faces of Bagan Photography Tour

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Beyond Bagan’s Temples

Take an adventure into the heart of modern Myanmar on our Bagan village photo tour

Capture the authentic daily life of the people of Bagan on this private guided photography tour. You’ll begin by shooting the sunrise over the ancient monuments of Old Bagan, away from the buses and crowds. After breakfast, we’ll visit local village communities on foot with a walking tour. Photograph traditional crafting from local artisans on a village walking tour in the morning, and shoot amazing temple ruins in the late afternoon pre-golden hour light. This is a great place to capture some compelling portraits and street scenes. Our trip leader will help you guide your subjects to create the perfect photo.

Experience Bagan’s Villages

pre-sunrise pickup and orientation to position ourselves to make the most of available light during the sunrise/sunset “golden hour”

get closer to real people and communities your tour fees support to capture the everyday beauty, culture, and colors of Myanmar

Bagan Village Photography Tour Highlights

maximize your limited time available in Bagan for capturing the epic sunrise, balloons, shrines, architecture, and amazing local people

get closer to real people and communities your tour fees support to capture the everyday beauty, culture, and colors of Myanmar on this Bagan village photo tour

late afternoon village life under warm pre-sunset light

sunset by private boat cruise on the Irrawaddy

Visit temples and villages off the tourist track and discover authentic Bagan through its people

We will explore several different communities and sites throughout the day, both inside and beyond the Bagan archaeological zone. Once in the villages, we will spend most of our time on foot, visiting our neighbors in their workshops and on their farms. An intimate look into the amazing lives of local people, their culture, and communities that make Myanmar such a unique place to visit.

Itinerary

05:30: Pickup from your hotel by air-conditioned private taxi to position for sunrise
05:45-07:30: Sunrise balloon shooting within the monument zone, location based on your subject and perspective preferences.
07:30-8:30: Visit to farming and bamboo crafting village within the monument zone for close-up photography and bushcraft knowledge sharing.
08:30-09:30: Al fresco light breakfast with local pastries, fruit, and fresh coffee/tea. Opportunity for sitting/walking meditation and shooting in secluded temple gardens. Relax with caretakers and shoot local agricultural activities.
09:30-12:00: Visit to rare irrigated village outside monument zone with terraced rice paddies in golden bloom, with little contact with foreigners. We have a small organic permaculture farm in the village that affords many close-up/portrait opportunities. This is an “oxcart village” with limited access to motor vehicles and feels like a journey to the bronze age.
12:00-13:30: Lunch break and travel time
13:30-16:30: Journey by taxi to remote village location on the Irrawaddy, a cluster of pagodas situated on an isolated clifftop. Visit remote sites and areas on foot, including many not listed on any map or guidebook. Amazing murals and panoramic views, visit to magical meditation caves and cliff monasteries. Fantastic late-period temples with murals and stone carvings, expansive views, and small monastic community.
17:00-18:30: Return to Old Bagan by private boat, including cold drinks and snacks. Views of mast notable Bagan monuments along riverside.
18:30-19:00: Return to your hotel or drop-off at local restaurant by private taxi

Tours by Theme

Responsible Travel in Myanmar

We offer once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences that support local communities in a way that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. We go beyond the usual tourist sites to explore secret spots, remote villages, and authentic Burmese communities.

Your Myanmar Private Tour Specialists

Our custom itineraries and private tours in Bagan, Mandalay, and Yangon include walking tours, photography tours, boat trips, temple sightseeing tours and much more. Each day is tailored to your interests and preferred activity level.